A carrier apparatus for use on a motor vehicle to store a spare tire mounted on a rim beneath the undercarriage of the vehicle. The apparatus including a spring rod having an upper end and a lower end with the upper end being connected to the vehicle via a mounting assembly. A cradle bar having a forward end attached to the lower end of the spring rod is received in a cradle receiver member to form a telescoping cradle. A rear end of the cradle receiver member is connected to a bracket assembly which is adapted to be secured to the vehicle.